DisneyMomx7
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2004
- Messages
- 12,437
As some of you know we have a Magical Gathering planned for July for all our children, their spouses and grandchildren. Our children range in age form 7-30! Only the youngest three knew - it was a surprise Christmas present for the rest.
Two of our children are married, one is in law school and one is a senior in college. We told the oldest ones that we had a surprise planned for Christmas Eve - we told them to wear "good clothes" (unfortunately with sons you still have to tell them this!) and made it sound like the present would be big - so to make room in their cars to take it home.
The older kids were wild with curiosity - some thought it was a surprise family portrait, some thought we were going to tell them we were moving, one thought we had bought them all big screen tvs - and one (hoping) asked if we won the lottery! One thought a famous person or tv crew was coming to our house. It was insane.
We had personalized Disney invitations printed - saying they were invited to a once in a lifetime, all expenses paid Disney Family Magical Gathering. It gave the dates and where we were staying (YC). We put them in frames and wrapped them. In the same bags we had scrolls made that we tied with ribbons giving the details of the trip - MYW packages tickets (explanations) dining plan (explanations) telling them we were paying for their airfare the giving them spending money, and giving them their room arrangements.
We told them all to be there at 4:00. I had appetizers ready since some had to work until 4:00. At 4:30 everyone was finally there. We had them seated in the family room (picture perfect - fireplace going etc.). We gave out the bags with the instructions that no one would open them until we said (wanted everyone to open at the same time). Ready, set, go - open. It was magical. Of course I knew my oldest dd (30) would cry because she always wanted to take her two ds but couldn't afford it yet. I was really surprised how excited my older ds's were. In the past few years they've done study abroads in Europe so I didn't know if Disney would do it for them but they were thrilled. We gave them other bags with Disney guide books, Disney planning videos, Disney polo shirts, and tshirts for the kids that say their names with "Magical Memories 2008" printed on the back. Of course almost all the presents were Disney related - including lots of Disney dollars!
No one could believe that the three youngest had known about the surprise since September and were able to keep the secret.
It may be have the best present we have ever given them but it was definitely the best present for ME to be able to do this for our family. Everyone was so excited and can't wait to start planning. I think they thought I was nuts when I told them I need to do our ADRs in January so start reading and give me a list of some of the places they think they would like to try.
Thanks to all who have followed our "surprise sage". It truly was a magical night for our family.
Two of our children are married, one is in law school and one is a senior in college. We told the oldest ones that we had a surprise planned for Christmas Eve - we told them to wear "good clothes" (unfortunately with sons you still have to tell them this!) and made it sound like the present would be big - so to make room in their cars to take it home.
The older kids were wild with curiosity - some thought it was a surprise family portrait, some thought we were going to tell them we were moving, one thought we had bought them all big screen tvs - and one (hoping) asked if we won the lottery! One thought a famous person or tv crew was coming to our house. It was insane.
We had personalized Disney invitations printed - saying they were invited to a once in a lifetime, all expenses paid Disney Family Magical Gathering. It gave the dates and where we were staying (YC). We put them in frames and wrapped them. In the same bags we had scrolls made that we tied with ribbons giving the details of the trip - MYW packages tickets (explanations) dining plan (explanations) telling them we were paying for their airfare the giving them spending money, and giving them their room arrangements.
We told them all to be there at 4:00. I had appetizers ready since some had to work until 4:00. At 4:30 everyone was finally there. We had them seated in the family room (picture perfect - fireplace going etc.). We gave out the bags with the instructions that no one would open them until we said (wanted everyone to open at the same time). Ready, set, go - open. It was magical. Of course I knew my oldest dd (30) would cry because she always wanted to take her two ds but couldn't afford it yet. I was really surprised how excited my older ds's were. In the past few years they've done study abroads in Europe so I didn't know if Disney would do it for them but they were thrilled. We gave them other bags with Disney guide books, Disney planning videos, Disney polo shirts, and tshirts for the kids that say their names with "Magical Memories 2008" printed on the back. Of course almost all the presents were Disney related - including lots of Disney dollars!
No one could believe that the three youngest had known about the surprise since September and were able to keep the secret.
It may be have the best present we have ever given them but it was definitely the best present for ME to be able to do this for our family. Everyone was so excited and can't wait to start planning. I think they thought I was nuts when I told them I need to do our ADRs in January so start reading and give me a list of some of the places they think they would like to try.
Thanks to all who have followed our "surprise sage". It truly was a magical night for our family.
What a fun gift to be able to give. 
Tuesday-Saturday.
